Graduate Program in Environmental Studies

The Department of Environmental Sciences offers a Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies, as well as a      Dual Master of Science in Environmental Studies (M.S. EVS) and a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.). These degrees are interdisciplinary, graduate degrees designed for professionals, practitioners, citizens, and students who wish to strengthen their knowledge of the environment. The multidisciplinary nature of these programs provide the student with a unique balance of the scientific background necessary for sound environmental decision-making within the context of educational, political, sociological, economic and legal frameworks. The approach is intended to produce future and current environmental professionals with the broad perspective necessary to be effective leaders in the field.  If you have questions about our graduate program or would like to arrange a phone call or video conference, please contact the Graduate Coordinator Dr. Devon Eulie by email at eulied@uncw.edu.

What will a Master of Science in Environmental Studies do for me?

• Provide you with a coherent and interdisciplinary grounding in current environmental sciences scholarship at the graduate level
• Supply you with the knowledge and expertise needed to work with scientists, managers, and educators in the classroom, lab, or field
• Expand your knowledge about Environmental Science and how it can work with other areas of study
• Introduce you to a community of scientists, scholars, and educators who are dedicated to solving environmental issues around the world
• Guide you in pursuing independent areas of investigation and practice through customized curricula

What can I do with a Master of Science in Environmental Studies?

Professionals throughout the world are actively involved in addressing environmental challenges. Because there is extensive work to do, the opportunities for employment are vast. Students with a Master of Science in Environmental Studies can do many things across multiple disciplines and in many fields.

Graduates of our program have gone on to work for:

• The Nature Conservancy
• North Carolina Aquariums
• NC Department of Natural Resources

Other opportunities for employment include but are not limited to:

• Land and water conservation
• Environmental education and interpretation
• Solid and hazardous waste management
• Air and water quality management
• Fisheries, forestry and wildlife management
• Environmental planning
• Parks and outdoor recreation management
• Coastal management

Our current graduate students are working with the following companies and/or organizations:

• North Carolina National Estuarine Reserve
• North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries
• North Carolina Coastal Federation
• Carolina Beach State Park
• North Carolina Coastal Federation
• Marine Quest
• Project TECHNOceans                       
• Army Corps of Engineers

In addition to the M.S. EVS degree, what will the Dual EVS/MPA degree help me to do?

• To lead and manage in public governance
• To participate in and contribute to the policy process
• To analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems, and make decisions
• To articulate and apply a public values perspective
• To communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce and citzenry

For more information about the Dual EVS/MPA degree program, click here. 

NOTE:  Applicants seeking admission to the Dual M.S. Environmental Studies and M.P.A. Public Administration degree programs must submit an application and application fees for consideration to both programs by the published deadline.  The Dual program is designed to be completed in only three years, instead of the four-year timeline necessary to complete two graduate degrees.

For additional information about the MPA program, click here. 

What are our alumni saying about their Master of Science in Environmental Studies?

“My master’s degree in Environmental Studies and my concentration in coastal management gives me a unique perspective when communicating spatial analyses and web tools to local stakeholders because I’m educated on the issues and concerns that often make coastal decision makers hesitant to adopt more sustainable growth strategies. Thus, I am equipped to help stakeholders weigh the costs and benefits of different scenarios to help them most effectively protect their coastal assets while making their communities more resilient heading into the future.”

Are you ready to begin your journey to a Master of Science in Environmental Studies degree, or the Dual degree?